May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May marks the beginning of riding season for many motorcyclists. It is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. On April 22, 2024, the Lexington City Council proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Lexington.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds all motorists that Motorcyclist’s Safety Is Everyone’s Safety. Motorcycle safety is an ongoing responsibility for all road users.
By consistently following safe driving and riding practices and sharing them with others, all motorists can help reduce the number of motorcyclist fatalities on America’s roads.
Each year motorcyclists are the victims of the majority of traffic crashes represents 15% of total highway fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and 4 times more likely to be injured.
Speeding, is a major contributing factor to motorcyclist fatalities. Thirty-five percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of all passenger car drivers, 15% of all light-truck drivers, and 6% of all large-truck drivers. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 51%.
Alcohol impairment also plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities. Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes (killed and survived) had a higher percentage of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (28% for motorcycle riders, 25% for passenger car drivers, 21% for light-truck drivers, and 3% for large-truck drivers). Forty-six percent of motorcycle riders killed in single-vehicle crashes that occurred on weekends were alcohol-impaired. Forty-two percent of all motorcycle riders killed in night-time were alcohol-impaired, compared to 16% of those killed in daytime crashes.
Like seat belts, wearing DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets save lives and reduce injuries. Helmet use among motorcyclists traveling in light traffic decreased significantly in past years. NHTSA data estimates that helmets saves motorcyclists’ lives and that more lives could be saved if all motorcyclists would wear their helmets. Helmet use also continued to be significantly higher in states that require all motorcyclists to be helmeted than in those that do not.
While all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States are required to meet the federal standards and have the DOT certification label, there are retailers who sell novelty helmets that do not meet these safety standards. False DOT labels are also sold to put on these fake helmets. Novelty helmets are unsafe and will not protect motorcyclists in the event of a crash. They should not be purchased and should not be worn while operating or riding on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists should wear high-visibility protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.
The following are safe driving and riding practices that all road users, vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike should follow to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on America’s roadways:
Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit
Drive and ride alcohol- and drug-free
Avoid distractions while driving or riding
Drivers should yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections
One other significant step that motorcycle riders can take toward promoting road safety for all motorists is completing a rider education and training course. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and every month motorcycle riders should commit to adopting and promoting safe driving and riding practices.
Everyone can work towards a secure environment for motorcycle riders and all other motorists.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit NHTSA.gov/Motorcycles.
For additional statistics, please visit https://cdan.nhtsa.gov/ and search “motorcycle” under Crash Data Publications.
